Greater Fort Myers Chamber recognizes community members at 2025 Chamber Awards

Greater Fort Myers Chamber recognizes community members at 2025 Chamber Awards

The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce brought the Southwest Florida business community together to honor local businesses and leaders at its annual Chamber Awards, held July 17 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in downtown Fort Myers.

Recognizing members for their outstanding contributions to the greater Fort Myers community, the program featured an award ceremony to honor finalists and name honorees for their impact in several categories. The program also celebrated the installation of the Chamber’s 2025-26 board of directors, recognized the 2024-25 committee chairs and featured check presentations from the Chamber Foundation.

“We are proud to recognize the exceptional contributions of nearly two dozen finalists who are helping shape a stronger, more vibrant community,” said Robert Goltz, CEO of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber. “Their dedication furthers our vision of making this community the best place to live, work and raise a family, and we’re excited to honor the impact and achievements of our winners and finalists as we celebrate an entire community that’s committed to excellence.”

The Chamber Awards recognized a recipient in each of the following categories:

• Small Business of the Year was awarded to CRS Technology Consultants. Founded in 1993, CRS Technology Consultants provides managed cloud services and business continuity through hybrid and comprehensive Information Technology solutions. Co-owners Julie Klein and John Joyce also lead the company in supporting more than a dozen local organizations and causes. Other category finalists were Global Strategies and Stickboy.
• Large Business of the Year Award was awarded to Drake Ready Mix. Drake Ready Mix was established in 2006 by father-and-son duo, Terry, Sr. and Terry, Jr. to provide concrete ready mix solutions for residential, commercial and municipal projects of all sizes. With more than 100 employees, Drake Ready Mix serves clients across Southwest Florida and supports many nonprofit causes. Other category finalists were Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. and Park Royal Hospital.
• The Community Impact Award was awarded to Jeannine Joy, CEO and president of United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades. Joy has spent 30 years shaping the nonprofit into a cornerstone of community support. Under her leadership, it has grown into a thriving organization with over 1,000 volunteers and a campaign goal of $11.3 million this year – a testament to her vision and the community’s confidence in United Way. Other category finalists were Darrel Lieze-Adams (Gulf Coast NBC & ABC) and Tamara Pigott (Lee County VCB).
• Entrepreneur of the Year was awarded to Reema Bhatia, owner of Stickboy. Bhatia founded Stickboy as a 3D graphics firm in 2007 and grew the business into a full-service tech company that empowers clients to leverage technology through advanced digital solutions including managed IT services and software, application development, AI tools and enterprise-grade cybersecurity. Other category finalists were Christopher Spiro (Spiro & Associates) and Janelle Miley (Global Strategies).
• The Nonprofit Excellence Award was awarded to LARC. LARC is a local nonprofit celebrating 71 years of empowering and supporting people with disabilities, and their families, to achieve their full potential. The organization believes that everyone, regardless of their ability, deserves the opportunity to live, work and thrive in their community. Other category finalists were Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida and Family Initiative, Inc.
• Young Professional of the Year Award was awarded to Ashley Price, director of development for Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida. Through her work, Price has secured millions in funding to support Goodwill’s mission while building meaningful relationships with donors, businesses and community leaders to ensure that resources reach those who need them most. Other category finalists were Jessica McElwee (City of Fort Myers) and Kira Ayers (KM Hair Designs).
• Volunteer of the Year Award was awarded to Virginia King, a 15-year volunteer for LARC. Following a successful career in accounting, she has dedicated her time and expertise to managing essential financial functions for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the organization’s Supported Living program. She also volunteers at her church, belonging to a small group that goes into the local community to help others in various ways.
• APEX Award was awarded to Jen Whyte, co-founder of Fort Myers Brewing Company and incoming chairman of the board for the Chamber. In addition to operating a thriving small business, she has served as a board member for the Chamber since 2020 and has also served on several nonprofit boards, including Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Horizon Council and Lee County’s Jobs for Graduates program. Other category finalists were Anjali Van Drie (Family Initiative) and Carolyn Johnson (Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida).

City of Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson was also recognized as the Elected Official of the Year, a special category voted on by members of the Chamber’s Government Relations Committee.

During the event, the Chamber’s Women in Business and Level HER Up committees presented a check for $31,768 to the Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) Foundation. The funds, raised during the Chamber’s annual Level HER Up conference, will provide scholarships to FSW students pursuing careers in the health care field. Additionally, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Foundation received $9,070 from the Chamber to support its mission of enhancing education, providing scholarships and grants and presenting seminars and workshops to the business community.

The presenting sponsor of the 2025 Chamber Awards was Verizon. Additional sponsors included The City of Fort Myers, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida Power & Light, Florida Suit Guy, Fort Myers Brewing Company, Gulfshore Business, Hope Clubhouse of SWFL, M&M Multimedia, McKinnis Roofing & Sheet Metal of Florida, Minnesota Twins, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, StellarBlue.ai, Stevens Construction, Solomon & Hoover CPAs, State Insurance USA, Suncoast Credit Union, and University Grill.

Source: Google News